Holding device for fastening laces

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a fastening device for releasably securing two lace ends ( 3 ) together. The fastening device comprises a body including first and second members ( 11, 12 ) having a passage through which the lace ends can pass. The passage may include aperture means ( 25 ). The device also comprises a gripping means associated with the passage for gripping the lace ends in a manner which allows movement of the lace ends through the passage but selectively resists reverse movement. The gripping means are typically defined by the first and second members ( 11, 12 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a fastening device for releasably securing twolace ends together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention has been devised particularly, although not solely, forreleasably fastening together the opposite ends of a shoe lace therebyavoiding the need to tie the shoe lace together using a conventionalbow. The invention may have other applications such as where laces areemployed in garments and bags.

The two lace ends may be the ends of two separate laces or the oppositeends of a single lace. The term “lace end” is taken to include the freeportion of a lace extending beyond that portion of the lace which is ina lacing arrangement.

In the specification, the term “lace” shall be taken to include any cordor string for holding or drawing together.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form the invention resides in a fastening device for releasablysecuring two lace ends together, comprising a body having a passagethrough which the lace ends can pass, and gripping means associated withthe passage for gripping the lace ends in a manner which allows movementof the lace ends through the passage but selectively resists reversemovement.

Preferably, the fastening device further comprises a holding means forreleasably holding the portion of each lace end extending beyond thepassage. A loop formation may conveniently be formed in each lace end.

Preferably, the body includes first and second members defining saidpassage therebetween. Preferably, said passage includes aperture meansprovided in the first member through which the lace ends can enter thepassage, the arrangement being such that in use the lace ends extend insubstantially opposite directions within said passage and emerge fromthe passage at the periphery thereof.

Preferably, said first and second members define the gripping means. Inthis connection the first and second members are preferably mounted formovement towards and away from each other whereby they can assume anengaging condition in which they engage the lace ends in a manner whichallows movement of the lace ends through the passage to emerge from saidperiphery but prevents movement in the reverse direction and a releasecondition in which they allow movement of the lace ends in the reversedirection.

Preferably, the gripping means comprises two clamping units each adaptedto engage one of the lace ends. For preference, each clamping unitcomprises two clamping jaws, one clamping jaw being defined by the firstmember and the other clamping jaw being defined by the second memberwhereby the clamping jaws move between said engaging and releaseconditions with movement of the first and second members towards andaway from each other.

Preferably, each clamping unit comprises a clamping portion to assist inpreventing movement of the lace ends in a reverse direction when thefirst and second members are in an engaging condition. The clampingportions are preferably in the form of elongate projections on the firstmember which are disposed laterally of the aperture means on opposedsides thereof. The clamping portion of each first member presents aclamping edge which cooperates with the corresponding edge of the secondmember to assist in clamping the respective lace end to inhibit movementof the lace end in a reverse direction.

Preferably, biasing means are provided for urging the first and secondmembers in the direction towards each other thereby to influence theclamping jaws into the engaging condition.

Preferably, the biasing means comprises an elastic band attached to oneof the first and second members and releasably attachable to the otherof the first and second members whereby when so attached the elasticband resiliently resists movement of the first and second members in thedirection away from each other. For preference, said one of the firstand second members comprises the second member and the said other of thefirst or second members comprises the first member. The elastic band ispreferably attached to one of the first or second members by beingfitted onto said first or second member to extend therearound.

Preferably, said aperture means comprises two apertures each forreceiving one of the lace ends.

Preferably, said aperture means are provided centrally within said firstmember and said clamping units are disposed laterally thereof.

Preferably, said clamping units are disposed adjacent the outerperiphery of said passage.

Preferably, said holding means comprises a wedge provided on said secondmember. For preference, said wedge comprises a pair of inclined facesone of which is defined by said second member.

The two loop formations may be arranged to form a bow.

In another form the invention resides in a fastening device forreleasably securing two lace ends together comprising a body havingfirst and second members defining a space therebetween, aperture meansprovided in the first member and opening onto said space for receivingthe lace ends whereby the lace ends can enter. said space through theaperture means and extend in substantially opposite directions to emergeat the outer periphery of said space, gripping means having a grippingcondition and a release condition whereby in said gripping condition thegripping means allows movement of the lace ends from said aperture meansthrough said space to emerge therefrom while resisting movement in thereverse direction and wherein in said released condition said grippingmeans allows movement of the lace ends in said reverse direction.

Preferably, said gripping means are defined by said first and secondmembers.

The gripping means may comprise two clamping units each adapted toengage one of the lace ends.

Preferably, said aperture means is disposed centrally within said firstmember and said clamping units are disposed laterally of said aperturemeans to opposed sides thereof.

Preferably, said clamping units are located adjacent the outer peripheryof said space.

Preferably, said aperture means comprises a pair of openings in thefirst member, each adapted to receive one of the lace ends.

Preferably, said fastening device further includes holding means forreleasably holding the portions of each lace end extending outwardlyfrom said space to establish a loop formation in the lace end.

With the exception of the biasing means, the components of the fasteningdevice may be formed of integral construction and made of plasticsmaterial. In addition, the first and second members of the body may bepivotally connected by means of a film hinge or other suitableconnecting means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of three embodiments thereof which is directed to afastening device for releasably securing together the ends of a shoelace. The description will be made with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front elevational view showing the fasteningdevice according to the first embodiment in position on a shoe andsecuring the ends of the shoe lace together in a bow form;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevational view of the fastening deviceaccording to the first embodiment with the first and second membersswung apart;

FIG. 4 is a view of the fastening device according to the firstembodiment with the first and second members swung apart;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the device as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the fastening device according to the firstembodiment with the first and second members swung apart in particularto illustrate the film hinge between the two members;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fastening device according to thefirst embodiment with the first and second members swung apart;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the fastening device accordingto the first embodiment being fitted onto the ends of the shoe laceprior to the first and second members being elastically connectedtogether;

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating the fastening device according tothe first embodiment being fitted onto the ends of the shoe lace withthe first and second members elastically connected together;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the shoe lace in a tightenedcondition but prior to the formation of a bow as shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic front elevational views showing thefastening device according to the first embodiment in position on a shoeand securing the ends of the shoe lace together after the first andsecond members have been elastically connected together.

FIG. 14 is a schematic front elevational view showing the fasteningdevice according to the second embodiment in position on a shoe andsecuring the ends of the shoe lace together;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the fastening device according tothe second embodiment with the first and second members swung apart;

FIG. 17 is a view of the underside of the fastening means as shown inFIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the fastening device as shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is an underside view of the fastening device according to thesecond embodiment with the first and second members elasticallyconnected together;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view illustrating the fastening device accordingto the second embodiment being fitted onto the ends of the shoe laceprior to the first and second members being elastically connectedtogether;

FIG. 21 is a detailed view of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view illustrating the fastening device accordingto the second embodiment being fitted onto the ends of the shoe lacewith the first and second members elastically connected together;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the fastening device in the position shown inFIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing the shoe lace in a tightenedcondition but prior to formation of a bow;

FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 23 with the exception that thefastening device is now shown in a condition where it forms a bow in theshoe lace;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view illustrating the fastening device accordingto the third embodiment being fitted onto the ends of the shoe laceprior to the first and second members being elastically connectedtogether;

FIG. 27 is a detailed view of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a view of the fastening device according to the thirdembodiment with the first and second members swung apart in particularto illustrate the elongate projections on the first member;

FIG. 29 is a plan view of the fastening device according to the thirdembodiment with the first and second members swung apart;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the fastening device according to thethird embodiment with the first and second members swung apart;

FIG. 31 is a schematic side elevational view of the fastening deviceaccording to the third embodiment with the first and second membersswung apart; and

FIG. 32 is a side view showing the fastening device according to thethird embodiment being fitted onto the ends of a shoe lace with thefirst and second members elastically connected together.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The embodiments are directed to a fastening device 1 adapted toreleasably secure together the lace ends 3 of a shoe lace 4 of a shoe 5.The shoe 5 has vamp sections 7 which are laced together by shoe lace 4having a lacing arrangement 6 with the ends 3 of the shoe lace extendingbeyond the lacing arrangement. In the embodiments the shoe lace 4 is ofthe type commonly known as a flat shoe lace but could equally be a roundshoe lace.

A fastening device according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS.1 to 13, comprises a first member 11 and a second member 12 both formedintegrally of plastics material pivotally connected together by a filmhinge 14 for movement towards and away from each other.

A biasing means 21 is provided for selectively urging the first andsecond members 11 and 12 towards each other. The biasing means 21 is inthe form of an elastic band which extends around the second member 12and is adapted to be secured to the first member 11 adjacent the freeend thereof. For this purpose, the first member 11 is provided with agroove 23 to receive and locate the elastic band when it is passedaround the first member, as best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings.While the elastic band 21 serves to bias the first and second memberstowards each other, it can be readily detached from the first member soas to allow the second member to swing away from the first memberwithout the biasing effects if required.

The first member 11 is provided with aperture means in the form of twoholes 25, each adapted to receive one of the ends of the shoe lace.

A holding means 27 is provided on the second member 12 for the purposeof holding each lace end in a loop formation to create the appearance ofa bow, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 10 of the drawings. The holding meanscomprises an outer member 33 which cooperates with the second member 12to define a wedge 35 into which the lace ends are inserted. In theembodiment, the second member 12 and the outer member 33 are of integralconstruction.

The open end of the wedge is adjacent the hinge 14, as best seen in FIG.3 of the drawings.

Operation of the fastening device according to the first embodiment willnow be described.

The fastening device is initially installed onto the shoe lace bydetaching the elastic band 21 from the first member 11 and moving thefirst and second members apart so as to expose the two holes 25. Onelace end 3 is threaded through each hole 25 and the lace ends 3 are thenlaid in opposite directions, as shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings. It willbe noted that the lace ends are not crossed over each. other at the vampsections, as would normally be done in tying a conventional bow in theshoe lace. The second member is then pivoted towards the first memberand the elastic band 21 is engaged with the first member such that itlocates on the underside thereof and in the grooves 23.

With this arrangement, the lace ends are accommodated within the space37 defined between the first and second members 11 and 12 respectively,and emerge from such space in opposite directions as shown in FIGS. 10and 12. The first and second members to clampingly engage the lace endssuch that upon pulling of the lace ends to tighten the shoe lace and sodraw the vamp sections of the shoe together, the lace ends can movethrough the two holes 25 and the space 37. The clamping action of thefirst and second members 11 and 12 does, however, resist reversemovement of the lace ends which would result in loosening of the shoelace.

If a bow is required in the lace ends, once the shoe lace has beentightened sufficiently the outer sections of the lace ends 3 are placedone upon the other so as to create a loop formation in each lace end, asshown in FIG. 11. The overlapping sections of the lace ends are theninserted into the wedge 35 which retains them in such position with theresult that the two loop formations appear as a bow, as best seen inFIG. 1.

Alternatively, once the shoe lace has been tightened sufficiently asshown in FIG. 12, the shoe may be worn in this way as shown in FIG. 13.In this form, there is no need to insert the lace ends in the wedge 35to make a bow which presents an easy method of securing laces for youngchildren or persons who have difficulty tying laces. If the lace endsare too long they may be cut and knotted as shown in FIG. 13.

The device according to the second embodiment as shown in FIGS. 14 to23, is similar in many respects to the device of the first embodiment.However, in the second embodiment the first member 11 and the secondmember 12 are pivotally connected together by a hinge 13 for movementtowards and away from each other. In addition, the first member 11 has apair of opposed upturned edges 15 which are spaced apart a distancegreater than the width of the second member 12 such that the secondmember can pivot towards the first member and be received within theregion between the upturned edges 15.

In the second embodiment, each upturned edge 15 of the first member isprovided with a recess 17 which receives one of the lace ends of theshoe lace as shown in FIG. 23. The upturned edge 15 of each first membercooperates with the corresponding edge 19 of the second member to definea clamping unit for gripping one of the lace ends as will be explainedlater.

A biasing means 21 is provided for selectively urging the first andsecond members 11 and 12 towards each other whereby the second member isreceived between the upturned edges 15 of the first member. As in thecase of the first embodiment, the biasing means 21 is in the form of anelastic band which extends around the second member 12 and is adapted tobe secured to the first member 11 adjacent the free end thereof. Forthis purpose, the first member 11 is provided with a groove 23 in eachof the edges 15 to receive and locate the elastic band when it is passedaround the first member, as best seen in FIGS. 19 and 22.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the holding means comprises anouter member 33 which cooperates with the second member 12 to define awedge 35 into which the lace ends are inserted. While the outer membermay be of any suitable configuration, in this embodiment it is generallycircular and is coloured for decorative purposes.

The operation of the device according to the second embodiment issimilar in many ways to that of the first except that once the lace ends3 have been threaded through each hole 25, the lace ends are then laidin opposite directions such that each locates in one of the recesses 17as shown in FIG. 22 of the drawings. As described previously, the secondmember is pivoted towards the first member and the elastic band 21 isengaged with the first member in the grooves 23. The positioning of thelace ends in the recesses 17 and the cooperation of the upturned edge 15with the corresponding edge 19 of the second member assist in preventingreverse movement of the lace ends.

The device according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 26 to32, is similar in many respects to the devices of the first and secondembodiments. The device of the third embodiment comprises a first member11 and a second member 12 both formed integrally of plastics materialpivotally connected together by a film hinge 14. The device of the thirdembodiment differs from that of the other two embodiments in that thefirst member 11 is provided with elongate projections 16 to assist inclamping the lace ends on operations of the device. As can be best seenin FIGS. 26 and 27, the first member 11 has a pair of opposedprojections 16 which are spaced apart a distance greater than the widthof the second member 12 such that the second member can pivot towardsthe first member and be received within the region between theprojections 16. The projections 16 may be moulded to the first member 11or may be affixed to the first member as separate portions made of asuitable material.

The projection 16 of each first member cooperates with the correspondingedge 19 of the second member to define a clamping unit for gripping oneof the lace ends as can be seen in FIGS. 30 and 32. This clamping effectassists in inhibiting movement of the lace end in a reverse direction.

The device according to the first and third embodiments allows for easeof manufacture because of its plastic construction, presence of the filmhinge, and the substantially planar first member.

The device of all three embodiments has the advantage that it allows thetightening of laces using only one hand which assists persons withdisabilities or persons who only have the use of one hand.

The fastening device retains the lace ends together during any activitynormally performed in laced shoes. It at any time the tightness of thelacing requires adjustment, it is merely necessary to remove the laceends from the wedge 35, carry out the adjustment and then return thelace ends into the wedge in the overlapped arrangement. Where thenecessary adjustment involves tightening of the lacing, all that isnecessary is to pull on the lace ends after they have been removed fromthe adjustment and pivot the second member 12 away from the first memberagainst the influence of the elastic band 21 so as to release clampingengagement on the lace ends. The lace ends can then move rearwardlythrough the fastening device as necessary in order to achieve thenecessary adjustment. Thereafter the second member is released so thatit returns to its former position under the influence of the elasticband 21, whereupon the lace ends are again clampingly engaged betweenthe first and second members.

When it is desired to remove the shoe from the foot of the wearer, thelace ends are removed from the wedge in the case of the bow form and thesecond member 12 pivoted away from the first member to permit sufficientloosening of the lacing for removal of the shoe. It should be noted thatthe fastening device is not removed from the lace ends; it remains inposition on the lace ends ready for use on the next occasion that theshoe is worn.

The fastening device not only provides a useful alternative to tying ofa bow for securing the ends of the shoe lace together but also mayfunction as a fashion accessory for shoes. In this regard the outermember 33 may be suitably shaped, coloured and otherwise presented forvisual appeal.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limitedto the scope of the embodiments described. In particular it should beappreciated that a biasing means other than an elastic band could beemployed to urge the first and second members together. Additionally, itshould be appreciated that the fastening device can be used with shoelaces other than flat laces. Where, for example, the fastening device isused with round shoe laces, the laces would preferably be positioned inside by side overlapping relation rather than one upon the other beforebeing inserted into the wedge.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fastening device for releasably securing twolace ends together, comprising a body having a space through which thelace ends can pass, and gripping means associated with the space forgripping the lace ends in a manner which allows movement of the laceends through the space but selectively resists reverse movement, thebody including first and second members defining said spacetherebetween, aperture means provided in the first member through whichthe lace ends can enter the space, the arrangement being such that inuse the lace ends extend in substantially opposite directions withinsaid space and emerge from the space at the periphery thereof, the firstand second members defining the gripping means, the first and secondmembers being hingedly connected together for pivotal movement towardsand away from each other whereby they can assume an engaging conditionin which the gripping means engage the lace ends in a manner whichallows movement of the lace ends through the space to emerge from saidperiphery but prevents movement in the reverse direction, and a releasecondition in which the gripping means allow movement of the lace ends inthe reverse direction and a biasing means operably connected between thefirst and second members for yieldingly urging the first and secondmembers in the direction towards each other thereby to influence thegripping means into the engaging condition, the biasing means permittingmovement of the first and second members between the engaging andrelease conditions without interrupting the connection that it providestherebetween.
 2. A fastening device according to claim 1 wherein thedevice further comprises a holding means for releasably holding theportion of each lace extending beyond the space.
 3. A fastening deviceaccording to claim 2 wherein said holding means comprises a wedgeprovided on said second member.
 4. A fastening device according to claim3 wherein said wedge comprises a pair of inclined faces one of which isdefined by said second member.
 5. A fastening device according to claim1 wherein the gripping means comprises two clamping units each adaptedto engage one of the lace ends.
 6. A fastening device according to claim5 wherein each clamping unit comprises two clamping jaws, one clampingjaw being defined by the first member and the other clamping jaw beingdefined by the second member wherein the clamping jaws move between saidengaging and release conditions with movement of the first and secondmembers towards and away from each other.
 7. A fastening deviceaccording to claim 5 wherein each clamping unit comprises a clampingportion adapted to assist in clamping the lace end.
 8. A fasteningdevice according to claim 7 wherein each clamping portions is the formof an elongated projection on the first member disposed laterally of theaperture means to opposed sides thereof.
 9. A fastening device accordingto claim 5 wherein said two clamping units are disposed laterally ofsaid aperture means.
 10. A fastening device according to claim 5 whereinsaid two clamping units are disposed adjacent the outer periphery ofsaid space.
 11. A fastening device according to claim 1 wherein thebiasing means comprises an elastic band attached to one of the first andsecond members and releasably attachable to the other of the first andsecond members whereby when so attached the elastic band resilientlyresists movement of the first and second members in the direction awayfrom each other.
 12. A fastening device according to claim 11 whereinsaid one of the first and second members comprises the second member andwhereby said other of said first or second members comprises the firstmember.
 13. A fastening device according to claim 11 wherein saidelastic band is attached to one of said first or second members by beingfitted onto said first or second member to extend therearound.
 14. Afastening device according to claim 1 wherein said aperture meanscomprises two apertures each for receiving one of the lace ends.
 15. Afastening device according to claim 1 wherein said aperture means areprovided centrally within said first member.
 16. A fastening deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the body is of one piece construction andthe first and second members are pivotally connected together by meansof a film hinge integral therewith.
 17. The fastening device of claim 1wherein the biasing means is detachably connected to allow the first andsecond members to be pivoted apart to remove the fastening device fromthe lace ends.
 18. A fastening device for releasably securing two laceends together comprising a body having first and second members defininga space therebetween, aperture means provided in the first member andopening onto said space for receiving the lace ends whereby the laceends can enter said space through the aperture means and extend insubstantially opposite directions to emerge at the outer periphery ofsaid space, gripping means having a gripping condition and releasecondition whereby in said gripping condition the gripping means allowmovement of the lace ends from said aperture means through said space toemerge therefrom while resisting movement in the reverse direction andwherein in said release condition said gripping means allows movement ofthe lace ends in said reverse direction and wherein biasing means areprovided for urging the first and second members in the directiontowards each other thereby to influence the gripping means into thegripping condition and wherein the biasing means are operably connectedbetween the first and second members of yieldingly urging the first andsecond members in the direction towards each other thereby to influencethe gripping means into the engaging condition, the biasing meanspermitting movement of the first and second members between the grippingand release conditions without interrupting the connection that itprovides therebetween, the biasing means comprising an elastic bandattached to one of the first and second members and releasablyattachable to the other of the first and second members whereby when soattached the elastic band resiliently resists movement of the first andsecond members in the direction away from each other.
 19. A fasteningdevice according to claim 18 wherein said gripping means is defined bythe first and second members.
 20. A fasting device according to claim 18wherein said gripping means comprises two clamping units each adapted toengage one of the lace ends.
 21. A fastening device according to claim20 wherein each clamping unit comprises a clamping portion adapted toassist in clamping the lace end.
 22. A fastening device according toclaim 20 wherein said clamping units are disposed laterally of saidaperture means to opposed sides thereof.
 23. A fastening deviceaccording to claim 20 wherein said clamping units are located adjacentthe outer periphery of said space.
 24. A fastening device according toclaim 18 wherein said aperture means is disposed centrally within saidfirst member.
 25. A fastening device according to claim 18 wherein saidaperture means comprises a pair of openings in the first member, eachadapted to receive one of the lace ends.
 26. A fastening deviceaccording to claim 18 wherein the device further comprises holding meansfor releasably holding the portions of each lace end extending outwardlyform said space.
 27. A fastening device according to claim 18 whereinthe first and second members are pivotally connected.
 28. A fasteningdevice according to claim 18 wherein the body is of one piececonstruction and the first and second members are pivotally connectedtogether by means of a film hinge integral therewith.
 29. The fasteningdevice of claim 18 wherein the biasing means is detachably connected toallow the first and second members to be moved apart to remove thefastening device from the lace ends.
 30. A fastening device forreleasably securing two lace ends together comprising a body havingfirst and second members defining a space therebetween, the body beingof one piece construction and the first and second members beingpivotally connected together by means of a film hinge integraltherewith, aperture means provided in the first member and opening ontosaid space for receiving the lace ends whereby the lace ends can entersaid space through the aperture means and extend in substantiallyopposite directions to emerge at the outer periphery of said space,gripping means having a gripping condition and release condition wherebyin said gripping condition the gripping means allow movement of the laceends from said aperture means through said space to emerge therefromwhile resisting movement in the reverse direction and wherein in saidreleased condition said gripping means allows movement of the lace endsin said reverse direction and wherein biasing means are provided forurging the first and second members in the direction towards each otherthereby to influence the gripping means into the gripping condition andwherein the biasing means are operably connected between the first andsecond members of yieldingly urgin the first and second members in thedirection towards each other thereby to influence the gripping meansinto the engaging condition, the biasing means permitting movement ofthe first and second members between the gripping and release conditionswithout interrupting the connection that it provides therebetween, thebiasing means comprising an elastic band attached to one of the firstand second members and releasably attachable to the other of the firstand second members whereby when so attached the elastic band resilientlyresists movement of the first and second members in the direction awayfrom each other.
 31. A fastening device according to claim 30 whereinthe first member is provided with a pair of opposed grooves to receiveand retain the elastic band.
 32. The fastening device of claim 30wherein the biasing means is detachably connected to allow the first andsecond members to be pivoted apart to remove the fastening device fromthe lace ends.